nacd

NACD Calls to Increase Funding for Conservation Priorities

Dan Conservation, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environment, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Forestry, National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

This past Saturday, President Biden signed Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations legislation into law that provides funding for several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of the Interior. And while the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) appreciates that the enactment of final federal spending legislation prevents a government shutdown and …

catastrophic

Catastrophic Losses Ahead After Texas Wildfires

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Forestry, This Land of Ours

Catastrophic losses from the Texas wildfires. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller announced his agency’s commitment to providing support to the state’s producers as they deal with the aftermath of devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned through almost 1,700 square miles of land, making it the largest …

nature

Nature Connects Us Campaign Launches

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

A new campaign to connect us to nature. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The National Forest Foundation and USDA’s Forest Service Monday announced the launch of “Nature Connects Us.” The outreach campaign aims to awaken and strengthen our connection to national forests and grasslands. The campaign is grounded in honoring ancestral tribal homelands through respectful and mindful …

Christmas tree

Theory of Christmas Tree Tradition

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

How did the tradition of the Christmas tree get started? Gary Crawford has one of several possible theories coming up on This Land of Ours. No one knows for sure exactly how the tradition of decorating an Evergreen tree for the holidays got started, but one story is called “The Blessing of the Fir Tree.” Agriculture Department history researcher Anne …

partnership

Partnership for U.S. Forests

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

A new partnership to improve the nation’s forests. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The nonprofit conservation organization American Forests is teaming up with the USDA Forest Service to help in reforestation across millions of burned and degraded acres over the next five years. The $20 million agreement will enable American Forests to aid the Forest Service to …

tight

Tight Supply of Christmas Trees

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

What’s the story behind the recent very tight supplies of real Christmas trees? Gary Crawford tells us in today’s This Land of Ours. Shop early to find that perfect Christmas tree before they’re all gone. Shoppers are hearing that message a lot this year, but why? Well, Tim O’Connor with the National Christmas Tree Association says most growers these days …

National Christmas Tree

National Christmas Tree Now on Display

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

A holiday tradition is now on display at the nation’s capitol. Rod Bain has more coming up on This Land of Ours. This 2023 holiday season will kick-off with the National Christmas Tree Lighting! This beloved American tradition, presented by the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Park Foundation (NPF), will feature musical performances and the official lighting of the …

florida

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Announces Final Project Acquisition List for Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Dan Agri-Business, Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Forestry, Wetland

(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Nov. 20/2023) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the final project acquisition list for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program following the program’s final public meeting which was held in Tallahassee to create a ranked list of agricultural lands eligible for protection. “Today is an important milestone in our pursuit of preserving Florida’s productive agriculture lands. …

christmas tree

National Christmas Tree Tour

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

The nation’s Christmas Tree is on tour. That’s coming up on This Land Of Ours. The 2023 U. S. Capitol Christmas Tree has been named “wa’feem’tekwi” by the Shawnee Tribe. The name means “bright tree” in the Shawnee language and is pronounced phonetically “wa thame tech we”. Now on its home stretch of its month-long tour, of its home state. …